Ligue 1: the 3 African breakthrough players of the season
With the Ligue 1 season over, it's time to take stock. Sport News Africa picks out the three African breakthrough players of the campaign
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Zakaria Aboukhlal, a quick adaptation
Toulouse know how to spot young talent. Promoted to Ligue 1 at the end of last season, the club from the south of France signed AZ Alkmaar's Zakaria Aboukhlal. The 23-year-old Morocco winger, born in the Netherlands and who had never played in any league other than the Eredivise, proved a shrewd pick-up. He fitted quickly into Philippe Montanier's system.
As well as playing a huge part in Toulouse's Coupe de France success (5 goals, 5 games), Zakaria Aboukhlal was valuable in the league. The Atlas Lion, a 2022 World Cup semi-finalist, recorded 10 goals and 5 assists in Ligue 1. Not bad for a first season and for a player who cost only 2 million euros. At Toulouse, you could also have mentioned Algerian attacking midfielder Fares Chaibi (20), who scored 5 goals and provided 5 assists in 36 L1 games.
Dango Ouattara, the shooting star
He played only part of the season before setting sail, crossing the Channel and landing at Bournemouth in England. But what a first half of a season! It was so good that the Cherries shelled out 23 million euros to secure the services of the young colt, who did not yet have a full campaign behind him. Dango Ouattara was involved in everything in Lorient's attack. A dribbler, very good creator and good finisher, the 20-year-old Burkinabé scored 6 goals and provided 6 assists in 18 Ligue 1 appearances with the Merlus. His link-up with Enzo Le Fée and Terem Moffi did the Bretons a world of good and left opponents dizzy.
Carlos Baleba, full of promise
Born in Douala in 2004 and trained at the Brasseries du Cameroun football school, Carlos Baleba joined LOSC in July 2022. Courted by several other Ligue 1 clubs, the 18-year-old chose to head north. Although he initially arrived to strengthen Lille's reserves, the Cameroonian defensive midfielder quickly convinced Pablo Fonseca to promote him to the first team. Fearless, the Cameroonian quickly found his feet. Like a certain Seko Fofana at Lens, he loves breaking the lines with his runs. He played in 18 Ligue 1 games and provided two assists in the last three matchdays. Promising.